Moreton Bay Island is a real city escape, located off the coast of Brisbane and accessible by vehicular barge. It is 4WDer's heaven with no sealed roads and sand driving all the way. A great place to enjoy unspoilt beaches, fishing, swimming and an island that is still 98% national park.

How to Use this Trek Note

Click the "Map" tab to see the route we've provided. Icons on the map are the POIs you'll need for navigation purposes. Be sure to check the list of Nearby Places on each POI page.

If you'd like to save this information there are a couple of ways to go about it, depending on what you're actually after:-

You can print a paper copy of the text using the print icon button shown above, near the social media buttons. For the best output it is advised to open each tab/section to load all images and artwork. You will still need to click open each Place page (listed in Where to Stay, What to See) to print off all available information.

If you have a Hema Navigator or use Mapping Software such as OziExplorer, or TrackRanger AND you are an ExplorOz Member, then you can click the Download Trek button at the top of this page to obtain the raw data files (eg. GPX) for this Trek.

If you're not a Member, or you'd like to batch download the entire Treks database you can obtain this by buying a product called EOTreks Route Files from our online shop.

Environment

It is also advisable to collect your own firewood beforehand as there is no firewood collection on the island for environmental reasons. Alternatively, carry a fuel stove.

History

Moreton Bay Island has its fair share of history. Once occupied by the Ngugi Aboriginal people, European settlement began in 1848 with the building of a pilot station near Bulwer. This was followed by a lighthouse positioned on top of the cliffs at Cape Moreton, which is still standing and in operation today. During World Wars I and II, Moreton Island became an important part of protection for Brisbane from enemy ships. Ruins of the gun emplacements and fortifications built during the war can still be found at Cowan Cowan and Toompani Beach.

Queensland's only whaling station was also built on Moreton Island and remains of the station can still be found at Tangalooma Resort. Like Fraser Island, Moreton Bay was subject to sand mining (on a smaller scale), which ended in 1992 when the mining leases were added to the Moreton Island National Park.

Permits

Permits must be sought prior to landing on Moreton Island. All vehicles must have a current Moreton Island RAM (Recreation Areas Management) vehicle access permit, purchased before entering the island and fixed to the lower left side of the windscreen. Unregistered vehicles are not permitted on Moreton Island.

Fees valid from 1 July 2009Ensure you obtain your permit before entering a recreation area. Permits may be purchased online.

Moreton Island Recreation Area

1 month - $38.25

1 year - $191.50

They can be purchased from most Qld National Parks Office or on-line or by phone (see above). If you book by phone or on-line, you will be given a reference number and you will still need to call in to a National Parks office to actually pick up your Permit.

For Moreton Island, Vehicle Entry Permits can also be purchased from the barge operators, which is probably the simplest method.

Camping fees

Before camping in a park, forest or similar reserve, you must obtain a camping permit and pay your camping fees.

Camping fees are $5.00 per person per night or $20.00 per family per night. A family group is up to two adults and accompanying children under 18, up to a total of eight people. Children under five are free.

Distance is GPS recorded distance based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.